SEPT 2018 |
VOL 2 ISSUE 1

In this issue:

  • Houston Happenings
  • MS4 Advice
  • New Year, New...Stress?
  • Relaxation
  • SPOTlight
  • TAO
The Well is a monthly newsletter that serves to
positively impact the well-being of the McGovern student community
by highlighting a myriad of wellness-related content.
Relax | Body & Mind
  • Short meditation | sit down, focus on and count your breaths up to 10 and repeat for 3-5 minutes
  • Take a mindfulness walk | focus on all the senses during the walk
  • Get a coloring book | coloring has been shown to relax the brain and reduce stress
  • Yoga | join a class or use YouTube [Yoga with Kassandra]
  • Mindfulness apps | 10% Happier, Breathe, Calm, Headspace, The Mindfulness App
New Year, New...Stress?

Being a medical student means that you celebrate two “New Year’s Days” - one on January 1st and one when the academic year begins! New years, though, are inevitably joined by new stress. Maybe you’re an MS1 just trying to stay afloat, maybe you’re an MS2 looking toward Step 1, maybe you’re an MS3 learning to manage clerkships, or maybe you’re an MS4 applying to residency programs. No matter the year, medical school always seems to have unique stressors around the corner. When thinking about wellness in medical school, managing your stress has to be at the top of your list; otherwise, burnout can ensue.

Medical school isn’t simple, but staying sane can be! Below are 5 easy ways to confront stress:
  1. Be positive - reframe your situation in a flattering light, even when it’s difficult.
  2. Write it down - if your to-do list seems insurmountable, compile it into one note, and proudly cross out your accomplishments.
  3. Say no - don’t commit to excessive extracurriculars.
  4. Prioritize self-care - meal prep, exercise routines, and sleep. Your body will thank you!
  5. Ask for help - sometimes all you need to feel relief is a vent session.

Check out this site for more ideas! https://adaa.org/tips-manage-anxiety-and-stress

SPOTlight | Study Spaces

  • Campesino Coffee House | amazing food, free wifi
  • Mercantile | calm, friendly staff
  • Siphon Coffee | free wifi, great tacos
MS4 Advice
For preclinical years, I always had this mindset that I had to constantly be studying or I wouldn’t be doing medical school “correctly.” I think in terms of improving wellness, if I could go back and give myself advice, I would tell myself to give me more “me-time.” It is very easy to burn out in medical school, and in the whole scheme of things, residency programs aren’t going to ask you, “Why did you decide to take this weekend off instead of studying??” I strongly believe that mental health is more important than struggling to memorize a few more facts. | Roy Lei, MS4
TAO | Therapy Assistance Online
The Student Health and Counseling Clinic is excited to announce a new wellness tool available to all students, faculty, and staff at UTH.  TAO (Therapy Assistance Online) , is an interactive, self-guided, web-based program that consists of tools and educational materials to help you learn about and change how you think and feel. 
Houston Happenings

09.01: AdvoCare Texas Kickoff - Texas Tech vs. Ole Miss, NRG Stadium
09.01: First Saturday Arts Market (First Saturday of every month until May 1) ,
Historic Houston Heights
09.1-3: Journey & Def Leopard, Toyota Center
09.02: Annual Texas Taco Throwdown, Henderson Heights Pub
09.07: Luke Bryan, Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
09.09: Chef James Rucker Day 1st Annual BBQ Tasting, Christia Adair Park
09.09: Houston's Exotic Auto Festival, HARAS Hacienda
09.13-15: Houston Ballet Presents an Evening of Stars, Miller Outdoor Theatre
09.14-16: Fandemic Comic Con Tour, NRG Stadium
09.15: Houston Cosplay Dance Party, Numbers
09.15-16: Jay-Z & Beyonce, NRG Stadium
09.16: 12th Annual Fiestas Patrias with Telemundo, Traders Village
09.21: Dierks Bentley, Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
09.22: Childish Gambino with Rae Sremmurd
09.22: Bank of America Screen on the Green, Discovery Green
09.27: Carlos Vives, Smart Financial Center
09.28: 5 Seconds of Summer, Smart Financial Center
09.29: Needtobreathe, Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
09.29: Oktoberfest Houston, The Water Works at Buffalo Bayou
09.29: Taylor Swift, NRG Stadium
09.29-10.02: Drake with Migos, Toyota Center
09.30: Southern Smoke BBQ Party, Montrose

Recurring weekly on Saturday/Sunday until November 25, 2018,
Texas Renaissance Festival
Brought to you by the McGovern Student Wellness & Resilience Committee
Newsletter Staff: Andrew Eck, Ally Limmer, Joaquin Santoy
Questions, Comments, or Contributions to The Well,
please email MS.Wellness@uth.tmc.edu